AN AMERICAN news outlet hit out after TripAdvisor named Bournemouth beach the fifth best in Europe and 20th in the world.
In an online article, NBC San Diego said that TripAdvisor “snubbed” San Diego beaches and suggested the travel experts have “been out in the sun too long.”
Author Eric Page said: "Is it possible the folks at TripAdvisor spent too much time quarantining this year? Or maybe they've been out in the sun too long? Somehow, the Massachusetts-based travel website/company decided Bournemouth Beach -- in Dorset, England! -- deserves a spot on the 2021 list of top beaches in the world.
"Meanwhile, San Diego got shut out from the global competition, which is stocked with stunning beaches from around the world, to be fair."
La Jolla beach in San Diego
He continued: “Hey, fun fact: Did you know that when you Google 'Bournemouth beach', the top people also ask … result is, 'Is Bournemouth Beach a sandy beach?', That just doesn't happen when you search for San Diego Beach.”
Following the article, Cllr Mohan Lyengar, portfolio holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture at BCP Council, took the opportunity to contact his counterpart in San Diego City Council in California, council president Jennifer Campbell.
Cllr Lyengar said: “It’s given us a chance to make a new contact. We’ve been voted the UK’s favourite beach by OnePoll and the 5th best in Europe – it’s a fabulous result. But we need to keep improving – working with partner authorities and learning from the best.
“To be even considered in the same category as San Diego and its portfolio of beaches is incredible and if we can forge a link with them and other prestigious venues, let’s do it.
“We’ve a lot to be proud of here in BCP and we’ll welcome many thousands this year for their first outdoor holiday for some time. But it mustn’t stop us thinking ahead and taking influences from around the globe. If we can do it, the future looks good for our resort – for entertainment and leisure, but also economically and for conservation and the environment.”
TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches are based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from TripAdvisor travellers for beaches, gathered over a 12-month period.
The 'Best of the Best Beaches' also takes into account the volume of “saves” for beaches on TripAdvisor, reflecting travellers' longing to visit new places.
Why Bournemouth beach does deserve its place in the TripAdvisor Awards
1. At seven miles long, Bournemouth beach is believed to be the longest in the UK.
2. Combined with Poole, the bay holds more Blue Flags than any other beach destination in the UK.
3. Bournemouth beach hosts the Bournemouth Air Festival, which is the UK's largest air festival.
4. In 2019, it was voted best UK seaside town in the British Travel Awards for the fourth time in seven years.
5. We have not one but two piers.
6. We have the world's first pier to shore zip line.
7. Harry Ramsden's in Bournemouth is believed to be one of the biggest fish and chip restaurants in the world.
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